Las Vegas — Featherweight Jose Delano was one of five UFC contract winners on week two of Dana White’s Contender Series this season.
Delano (16-3) landed over 100 significant strikes in a three round war with Manuel Exposito on Tuesday, earning a unanimous decision in the end.
“It’s just dawning on me, that this happened, that I’m a UFC fighter,” said a grateful Delano, speaking to media outlets including Cageside Press following the fight. “You’ll see much more. There’s a lot more coming from where that came.”
Dana White sometimes looks for finishes when it comes to awarding contracts, and Delano was expecting someone to be put away in the opening round. It didn’t happen.
“I think it just only made the spectacle and the fight itself even better. Because you’re talking about two athletes that were very capable of being here, and deserving,” Delano observed. “I think also, it’s something we promised. We said we’re going to give you Fight of the Night, and possibly we’re in the running for Fight of the Year, and the season. You could be looking at this fight as one of the best of the year.”
Matchmaker Sean Shelby suggested Delano is the most ready of anyone on DWCS this season to actually be in the UFC. Dana White agreed. No doubt music to the UFC newcomer’s ears.
“I’m flattered and grateful. If they are saying it, I’m going to believe it. I’m not one to watch the fights,” said Delano, who prefers to train, and doesn’t necessarily follow the sport. “I don’t even know many of the people that could be on my path in the division. But they [Shelby and White] watch a lot of fights, they’ve seen a thing or two. So if they’re saying that, I truly believe it, I appreciate it, and I’m honored.”
Of course, if they want to really prove it to him, they can put Jose Delano on the upcoming UFC Rio card. “Get me a fight in Rio de Janeiro.”
UFC Rio isn’t until October 11, so the promotion has time to make it happen if they so desire.
Watch the full Dana White’s Contender Series 2025 Week 2 post-fight appearance by Jose Delano above.
